Hinchinbrook Shire Council has adopted its 2023/24 Budget and Operational Plan, which outlines $40 million worth of projects and activities across the next financial year.
Mayor, Ramon Jayo said the Plan includes a $10 million dollar Capital Works Program and general rates increase of 5.48%.
“This has been a difficult Budget to deliver having regard to the environment currently faced by our community,” the Mayor said.
“High cost of living pressures, affordability and supply issues have made a profound impact on residents. Council is itself subject to similar pressures and must as a necessity, and in the interests of the long term sustainability of our community, continue its programs to maintain assets and provide the services that the community needs to function and prosper.”
Mayor Jayo said rates payable by individual landholders will fluctuate around 5.48%, as the Council works to balance a significant increase in property valuations across the Shire with an average increase in property valuations of 26%.
“In dollar terms, this will see an average general rate increase of approximately $3.70 per month for residential properties,” he said.
“Whilst we have managed to limit the general rate increase below inflationary measures and the local government cost index increase of 6.9%, the budget will see an increase of 6.6% with respect to utility charges in view of the increased costs of wages, materials and other inputs necessary to provide such services.
“We have absorbed as much cost as possible in attempts to minimise the financial impact on our residents and ratepayers without suffering diminution in service,” he said.
The Mayor said the budget had been developed to balance Council’s desire to maintain the lifestyle enjoyed in the Hinchinbrook Shire while acknowledging economic challenges.
Some of the major Capital works highlighted in the Budget include:
- Continuation of works on the Warrens Hill Landfill and Resource Recovery Centre Cell One Capping;
- Replacement of Waterfall Creek Bridge;
- Rehabilitation of the footpath along Herbert Street;
- Improvements to Forrest Beach Drainage;
- Rehabilitation of the Ingham, Forrest Beach and Macknade Pumphouses;
- Reconstruction of Hawkins Street;
- Replacement of Copley’s Road Bridge;
- Drainage works at the Ingham Airport;
- Roof Top Solar installation on various Council buildings;
- Replacement of the Kerb and Channel along Cockrell Street;
- Road profile improvements to Macrossan Street;
- Rehabilitation works on the Water Tower at Forrest Beach;
- Rehabilitation of the water mains along Lannercost Street and Davidson Street;
- Rehabilitation of the pavement along Pappins Road;
- Widening works along Cooks Lane; and
- Relining of the stormwater drainage along Scott Street.
The 2023-2024 Operational Plan identifies priority programs and actions to achieve corporate strategies, and links Council’s long term strategic direction as set out in the 2021-2025 Corporate Plan, the Council said in a statement.
To view the 2023-2024 Budget and the 2023-2024 Operational Plan, visit Council’s Corporate Publications and Reports page.
